having been asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having been asked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happened in the past, and is relevant to the current moment. For example, "Having been asked to leave the store, I decided to take my business elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That and my never having been asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

He seemed proud of not having been asked.

The New Yorker

Likewise, Sussex dug in to good effect having been asked to follow-on by Worcestershire.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite having been asked numerous times, he is not a spy.

The Guardian

Hopper was there for the third march, having been asked along by his friend Marlon Brando.

The Guardian - Arts

In fact, until this month, I don't remember ever having been asked for a professional opinion on anything at all.

The New Yorker

A nonmotivational talk, by contrast, typically includes confronting, judging, persuading and offering advice without having been asked for it.

The New York Times - Health

I maintain that having been asked to wear black tie, a more upscale meal should have been served.

The New York Times

I am chairing today's press event, having been asked by Grig Richters, the co-founder of Asteroid Day.

The Guardian

You could almost hear him seething, and deciding how to react, at having been asked the question.

The Guardian - Sport

Malouda and Kalou, having been asked to support Lampard in providing a match-turning moment of flair, were disappointing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having been asked", ensure the subsequent clause clearly indicates the result or action taken after the request. This clarifies the cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing "having been asked" close to the subject who received the request. Misplacement can lead to confusion about who was asked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having been asked" functions as a past participle phrase, often used to introduce a clause that provides context or reason for a subsequent action or state. Ludwig AI shows that it serves to establish a condition or prerequisite that influences the main clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having been asked" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to provide context or justification for an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase functions as a past participle phrase, often introducing a clause that clarifies the reason behind a subsequent event. It's most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it is essential to ensure proper placement to avoid misplaced modifiers. Considering alternatives such as "after being requested" or "when invited" can help adjust the tone to suit the context, thus avoiding monotony and improving the overall quality of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after being requested

Emphasizes the act of requesting rather than simply asking.

following a request

Highlights the sequence of events where a request precedes a subsequent action.

once prompted

Suggests an instigation or urging that leads to a response.

after being consulted

Implies a more formal or professional setting where advice or opinion is sought.

when invited

Focuses on the act of receiving an invitation to do something.

subsequent to being polled

Describes a situation after a formal polling or survey process.

pursuant to inquiry

Indicates an action taken in accordance with an investigation or formal question.

on being summoned

Suggests a formal or authoritative call to appear or act.

at someone's behest

Emphasizes that the action occurred because someone ordered or requested it.

as a result of solicitation

Highlights that something happened because it was actively sought or requested.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "having been asked" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "after being requested", "subsequent to being polled", or "pursuant to inquiry". These options convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

What's a simpler way to say "having been asked" in everyday conversation?

In everyday conversation, you can use phrases like "after someone asked" or "when invited". These are more casual and easier to understand.

Is there a difference between "having been asked" and "after being asked"?

While similar, "having been asked" implies a more direct consequence or immediate action following the request. "After being asked" simply indicates a sequence of events. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can I use "having been asked" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "having been asked" can start a sentence to introduce the reason for a subsequent action. For example, "Having been asked to present, I prepared a detailed presentation."